Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, Transitional Example, by Arthur Schüttelhöfer

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). An HJ member’s knife, measuring 26 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 26 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains some factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”). The reverse bears a maker’s mark of “A. SCHÜTTELHÖFER, SOLINGEN-WALD” for the firm of Arthur Schüttelhöfer, flanked by a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code of “M7/13” for the same manufacturer. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic metal hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, and with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual domed magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is an enameled HJ insignia measuring 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (l). Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse is a black leather strap fastened into a loop for belt suspension, and which retains a functional snap button. A functional catch within the throat firmly holds the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and chipping to the tip, loss of nickel plating to the hilt resulting in surface oxidation, fine cracking of the handle insignia, and minor loss of scabbard paint. This transitional knife remains in a very fine condition.